Styrian pumpkin seed oil is prized far beyond the borders of Styria as a Styrian specialty, valued for its palatability and delicate, nutty aroma. A versatile and wholesome food, it is a staple of the Austrian diet. This page contains worthwhile facts about the nutrients of pumpkin seed oil, what to look for in the best quality pumpkin seed oils, the therapeutic uses of pumpkin seed oil, a list for further reading on the subject, and a selection of recommended recipes.   

     
Picture: pumpkin flower in June, young pumpkins, pumpkins grow rapidly till September

Pumpkin seeds are sown at the beginning of May - harvest takes place starting the middle of October. When harvested, the pumpkins weigh up to 17.5 pounds and in the cavity of each is nestled 150 grams of seeds. Only the seeds are used, the pulp of the pumpkin is worked back into the fields as fertilizer.

Young pumpkins (when their skin can be depressed with the thumb) constitute a favorite  vegetable dish in Styria.

One liter of pumpkin seed oil  requires about 5.5 pounds of dried pumpkin seeds, that is to say, 30 pumpkins. An area the size of a soccer field yields an average of 5,000 pumpkins which, in turn, yield between 80 and 160 liters of pumpkin seed oil. When the pumpkin seeds are harvested, the pumpkin shells remain on the field as fertilizer.

The chlorophyll and carotin contained in the husk of the pumpkin kernel give the pumpkin seed oil its characteristic dark green color.

Tip when using pumpkin seed oil dressing: After tossing your salad with the pumpkin seed oil dressing, keep the salad out of direct sunlight (which can make the oil slightly bitter) until mealtime. Best, of course, is preparing the dressing right before the meal and tossing the salad just before serving.

Spots of pumpkin seed oil on clothing? These are easily removed through exposure to ultraviolet radiation (sunlight). Wash the articles of clothing and simply hang them in the sun to dry. If the sun is not shining that day, you can use the laundry detergent Vanish Oxi Action instead (a tip from a customer) if you can find it. (It may only be available in Europe.)

What to look for in the highest quality oil:
Only bottles of Styrian pumpkin seed oil bearing the label "g.g.A." (which means the region where the pumpkins were cultivated is under strict environmental protection) is 100% pure and comes from the Styrian province of Austria. Bottles which do not have this label are not subject to the rigorous control of the "g.g.A." region nor do they guarantee 100% pure pumpkin seed oil. 

Good pumpkin seed oil has no bitter aftertaste, and bears no trace of pumpkin or fat in its flavor. A drop of the oil on a salad leaf retains its droplet shape and does not run right off.

Careful! Pumpkin seed oils are offered on the market that are mixed with cheaper oils. These bottles are often labeled "salad oil." Also inferior imports of pumpkin seeds from east Europe and China may be used in these oils. What is more difficult to discern is when comparable standards of quality and corresponding regulation of cultivation or production are simply not observed in the land where the oil is produced. 

Pumpkin seed oil's delicate nutty aroma comes from gently roasting the seeds. However, the kernel is very carefully heated to no higher than 60-70 °C to preserve its valuable nutrients.

To find how something really tastes, of course, you simply have to try it yourself. On the Gusto Page customers describe their personal 'taste experiences.' You will find there my personal impression as well.

Pumpkin seed oil should be used cold - the only way you can be sure the oil retains its full complement of valuable nutrients. Even after tossing your salad with it, you should keep the salad out of direct sunlight - which could make the flavor slightly bitter.

Shelf life: When stored in a cool (under 20° C), dark place, the oil keeps well for a good 12 months. After this period, the oil loses some of its aroma and vitamin content. Opened bottles are best stored in the refrigerator. Look for pumpkin seed oil in dark bottles. Pumpkin seed oil should not be left standing for too long on well-lighted supermarket shelves.

The nutrients of pumpkin seed oil are 50%-65% valuable, easily digestible fat, 35% high-quality plant protein.

Vitamins: Vitamin A as beta-carotin, Vitamin E (50 mg per 100 ml), B1, B2, Vitamin C, Niacin, Niacin equivalent, pantothenic acid, pyroxene, biotin.

Minerals and trace elements: chlorine, iron, fluorine, iodine, potassium, calcium, copper, magnesium, manganese, sodium, phosphorus, selenium, sulfur, zinc.

Fatty acids: 9% saturated fatty acids, 34% monounsaturated fatty acids, 55% (double) polyunsaturated fatty acids, 2% (triple) polyunsaturated fatty acids. Pumpkin seed oil contains a high amount of the essential fatty acids linoleic acid and linolenic acid.

Pumpkin seeds and pumpkin seed oil relieve discomfort and ameliorate the following conditions: bladder ailments, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, thinning hair, problem skin, heart and circulation problems, muscle cramps, weak kidneys, irritated bladder, prostate ailments, arteriosclerosis, spinal problems, bed wetting in children.

Pumpkin seed residue as fish bait: After the pumpkin seeds have been pressed to extract oil, a residue of crushed pumpkin seed remains. This residue makes a superb fish food. Worked to a cheese-like consistency, it is taken along on fishing trips, making excellent bait.

Styrian Pumpkin Seed Oil Award of Excellence

To our valued prospective customers,

You may have already heard something about the  seal of excellence awarded to the most outstanding Styrian pumpkin seed oils . Every year the producers of pumpkin seed oil in Styria strive to determine the very best pumpkin seed oils produced that year and to award the best oil producers. This seal of excellence was bestowed in 2003 on only 2.3% of the producers of Styrian pumpkin seed oil. In 2004 less than 3% received the award!

What is so special about award-winning Styrian pumpkin seed oil?
The highly selective award demands from oil and oil producers alike the highest quality while assuring to customers proof of the oil's Styrian origin and the highest quality flavor. Only a limited quantity is available.

How can a pumpkin seed oil receive the award?
By proof of Styrian origin: The oil must be produced solely from pumpkin seeds harvested in Styria within the area designated by the European Union as an environmentally protected area, indicated by the letters g.g.A. (it stands for 'geschützte geographische Angabe' in German).
By faultless results from chemical analysis: The pumpkin seed oil is analyzed for impurities and unwanted residue from soil or seeds, none of which may appear in the awarded oils. 
By being extracted from the first pressing and being 100% pure pumpkin seed oil: Only those pumpkin seed oils are eligible for the award which are extracted from the first pressing and which have not been mixed with other types of vegetable oils.
By passing the evaluation of a jury of experts: The flavor, the color and the product are all evaluated. 

How you can recognize award-winning Styrian pumpkin seed oil

Bottles containing Styrian pumpkin seed oil awarded for excellence bear the following markings:

• a gold award seal indicates the oil was produced by an awarded producer
• an identifying insignia indicates it is Styrian pumpkin seed oil
• an inconspicuous label, "g.g.A.", indicates the pumpkins were cultivated in a region under environmental protection

Bottles of pumpkin seed oil which do not bear these seals, insignias and labels do not belong to the highly selective category of award-winning quality. Read further to learn more about the official criteria on which the Styrian Department of Agriculture and Forestry base this award, about the insignia, the g.g.A. label, and what people already acquainted with this rare Styrian delicacy have to say about its fine qualities.

Opinions of those acquainted with award-winning Styrian pumpkin seed oil:

There is no accounting for taste ... read what connoisseurs have to say about award-winning Styrian pumpkin seed oil. And ... we'd like to take this opportunity to say thank you to the customers of Kürbishof DEIMEL for their Opinions and Recommendations.

List of award-winning producers:

The award to distinguish excellence in pumpkin seed oil, the only award like it in the world, is based on internationally acknowledged standards of quality. Before conferring the award, specially trained tasters test the oil for its color, aroma, taste, and consistency. The oils are also tested in a laboratory against the requirements set down by the Austrian Code for Food Production (Lebensmittelbuch) and tested for impurities.

The official list of producers receiving the award is published by the Styrian Department of Agriculture and Forestry.

Awards conferred on Kürbishof DEIMEL:
Awards and Certificates

Styrian Pumpkin Seed Oil Award for 2004:
Article and list of awarded producers in 2004

Styrian Pumpkin Seed Oil Award for 2003:
Article and list of awarded producers in 2003

Insignia for Styrian pumpkin seed oil:

To identify genuine Styrian pumpkin seed oil, look for this insignia with registration number. Only bottles oil bearing this insignia contain genuine Styrian pumpkin seed oil! The insignia guarantees you that the production of the oil was continual monitored from the farm field to the shop shelves. You can be sure that every bottle of "Styrian pumpkin seed oil" bearing this insignia was produced under the strictest quality regulations. 

 

The label for a product from an environmentally protected region: g.g.A. 

About 2000 Styrian pumpkin farms and 35 oil mills joined together to establish the regional hallmark "Styrian pumpkin seed oil." In accordance with Article 5 VO (EWG) Nr. 2081/92, the product "Styrian pumpkin seed oil" was trademarked. Only a few selected specialties in Europe have achieved this status. Having fulfilled all the criteria required, "Styrian pumpkin seed oil" has been granted the right to bear the label "geschützte geographische Angabe (g.g.A.)."

Styrian pumpkin seed oil - g.g.A. guarantees you the consumer:

• proven origin of the pumpkin seeds from Styria 
• pumpkin seed oil extracted with Styrian oil presses
• 100% pure pumpkin seed oil from the first pressing

An almost bewildering quantity of literature is available on the subject of pumpkin seed oil. Below is a selection of books I've read, can introduce to you, and recommend. (The books are in German, however. So far as we know, they are not available in English. Our apologies.) If you happen to know of a book you can recommend which is not in this list (and books in English are especially welcome), I would be very happy to hear about it from you.

Cooking with Styrian Pumpkin Seeds and Pumpkin Seed Oil (German title: Kochen mit Steirischen Kürbiskernen und Kürbiskernöl), by Erika Seidl, Eigenverlag Erika Seidl, ISBN:3-9500888-0-6;
The introduction provides facts worth knowing about pumpkin seeds, pumpkin seed oil and vinegar. The major portion of the book is devoted to very attractive recipes using pumpkin seed oil and pumpkin seeds with very nicely arranged illustrations. It makes you hungry for pumpkin.

Natural Remedies with Pumpkin Seed Oil (German title: Natürlich behandeln mit Kürbiskernöl), by Margot Hellmiß, Verlag Südwest, Paperback, ISBN:3-517-07524-8;
The book begins by giving a short introduction to the world of the oil pumpkin. In addition to listing the nutrients found in pumpkin seed oil, the book describes how the oil can be used therapeutically, for example, for prostate problems or irritation of the bladder. One chapter describes the possible uses for grooming and skin care. The last chapter has a collection of recipes. The book is very well organized, in my opinion, and serves as a very good handbook for both pumpkin and health.

Stay Healthy and Fit with Pumpkin Seed Oil (German title: Gesund und fit durch Kürbiskernöl), by Alexandra Strasser, Verlag Moewig, Paperback, ISBN:3-8118-6854-3;
This book tells you what it is in pumpkin seed oil that makes it such a wholesome, healing food, contains health measures using pumpkin and its oil, and includes a comprehensive chapter entitled "Gentle Therapy with Pumpkin and Pumpkin Seed Oil." A chapter giving beauty tips and one with recipes for vegetable dishes using pumpkin rounds out the book.  As far as I know, this book is no longer available.  

Pumpkin and Pumpkin Seed Oil (German title: Kürbis und Kürbiskernöl), by Linda & Axel Waniorek, Verlag mvg, Paperback, ISBN:3-478-08576-4;
This volume very thoroughly describes the many different kinds of pumpkin and their cultivation, the proper handling of pumpkins, their nutrients and their therapeutic, nutritional and cosmetic benefits. The book also includes a wide variety of recipes as well as tips about dieting with pumpkin. A detailed recipe and general index make it very easy for you to find your way around in this book.  

Styrian Pumpkin Seed Oil (German title: Steirisches Kürbiskernöl), by Christoph Wagner, Verlag Pichler, ISBN:3-85431-154-0;
With the aid of wonderful pictures, this book conveys a vivid impression of the beauty of the Styrian region. And whoever has been yearning to know what it looks like inside an oil mill will be well pleased with this volume. Unusual recipes from the best cuisine complete the book. A volume to browse through and relax with.

Appetite for Pumpkin (German title: Lust auf Kürbis), by Erika Seidl, Eigenverlag Erika Seidl, ISBN:3-9500888-1-4;
Appetite for Pumpkin contains a highly enjoyable jaunt through the world of pumpkins. The first chapters describe the different sorts of pumpkin and practical tips on how to work with them. The major portion of the book, however, is devoted to its delightfully illustrated recipes. You will find recipes for soups, appetizers, salads, vegetarian dishes, fish and meat dishes, cake and breads, sweets, and preserves. This book by Frau Erika Seidl indeed whets the appetite and should be included in every cookbook collection.

Pumpkin Seeds - Pumpkin Seed Oil in the Kitchen and in the Medicine Chest, (German title: Kürbiskerne - Kürbiskernöl für die Küche und Hausapotheke) by Erica Bänzinger, Verlag Hädecke, Hard cover, ISBN:3-7750-0367-3;
The author dedicates this book to the ever increasing number of pumpkin enthusiasts. The first part summarizes within 30 pages general knowledge about pumpkin seed oil from its cultivation to its therapeutic use to cure ailments. The text is accompanied by beautiful, elaborate illustrations. The next 60 pages contain many recipes, also with skillfully arranged pictures. The book can be ordered from Amazon for less than 10 €. In my opinion, it is a very good buy.

If you know of, and would like to recommend, additional books on the subject of pumpkin seed oil, I would welcome an email from you with your suggestions.

Styrian Pumpkin Seed Oil Award for Excellence in 2003:
Article and list of awarded producers in 2003

At this point, I would like to tell you how you can order award-winning pumpkin seed oil from Kürbishof DEIMEL and the Pumpkin Seed Oil Team. We specialize in the production of this Styrian delicacy and provide economical and reliable shipment.

 Kürbishof DEIMEL Order Service

"Producing products of the highest quality with environmentally friendly means has top priority."

I would now like to introduce Kürbishof and the pumpkin seed oil team to you. The next sections will tell you about:
 The pumpkin seed oil team
 Our philosophy
 Our offer to you
 Quality, the seal of excellence and storing pumpkin seed oil
 Our offer to merchants and cooking clubs; general terms and conditions

 To order directly from Kürbishof DEIMEL

Your  pumpkin seed oil team:

International Services: Kürbishof DEIMEL Dipl.-Ing. Anton Deimel St.-Wolfgang-Str. 49 D-69231 Rauenberg Phone: 07253 26906 E-Mail: Deimel@Kuerbishof-DEIMEL.de.

Manufacturing: Kürbishof DEIMEL Ing. Ewald Deimel A-8312 Ottendorf 239 Austria

Our Philosophy:
"Producing products of the highest quality with environmentally friendly means has top priority." 

A high quality pumpkin seed oil is determined not solely by the pressing process. For us, the quality of the soil, the seeds, the method of cultivation in the field, the harvest, the storage, the gentle and slow roasting process and pressing of the seeds, the packaging and presentation as well as the correct climatic balance of sun and moisture all play a decisive role in producing and, consequently, being able to offer a product of top quality.

We work in accordance with the guidelines of a regulated, integrated produce 'industry'. The cultivation of our produce continually undergoes soil, production and quality checks. From the sowing of the pumpkin seeds for the production of pumpkin seed oil and pumpkin seeds up to and including pressing the seeds to extract the oil is monitored by the Styrian Food Authority. Compliance with the prescribed guidelines assures a high quality yield, both visible and invisible, by requiring that cultivation and production methods be in complete harmony with soil, water and nature, which is also in the interest of the next generation.

We only sell oil from the first pressing of the best quality. The dried pumpkin seeds are stored and gently pressed as required. This guarantees pumpkin seed oil with full-bodied flavor and maximum storage life for the customer from time of purchase. When stored in a dark, cool place (under 20° C), the oil will keep for at least 12 months.

To view our selection or place an order, please see Kürbishof DEIMEL.

Since history began, pumpkin seeds and pumpkin seed oil have been used as a natural remedy for irritation of the bladder and kidneys as well as for prostate irregularities. The active ingredients in pumpkin seeds normalize and strengthen the musculature of the bladder and have a positive and prophylactic effect on benign prostate growths (benign Prostatahyperplasie BPH) in the first and second stages.

If taken as a preventative measure early enough or as a supplement to the regular diet as oil, the nutrients in pumpkin seeds could contribute to making certain operations unnecessary. Moreover, there has never been any indication that taking pumpkin seeds or pumpkin seed oil, even in therapeutic doses, has any side effects. Neither does it produce any complication when taken in combination with other medicines.
Back to Facts
 

For medicinal purposes, special strains of pumpkins are used. These strains are always cultivated from hull-less pumpkin seeds of the Styrian oil-producing pumpkin. Biologically there is no notable difference between these seeds and the ones used to produce Styrian pumpkin seed oil. The same sorts are used. The pumpkin seeds used for medicinal purposes, however, are more rigorously tested for pollutants and any naturally occurring variations in the nutrient levels are adjusted.

The level of the nutrients found in pumpkin seeds can vary greatly depending on climatic conditions. For example, differing soils and variations in the amount of water or types of nutrients available in the soil itself can have a marked effect. 

Important nutrients in pumpkin seeds:
35-55% oil of which
   20-30% monounsaturated oleic acid
   45-65% polyunsaturated linoleic acid
   5% stearic acid
   10-15% palmitic acid
30-40% protein
4-8% carbohydrates
2-4% crude fiber
4-5% minerals and trace elements, including
   chlorine, iron, fluorine, iodine, potassium, calcium, copper,
   magnesium, manganese, sodium, phosphorus, selenium, sulfur, zinc
Vitamins:
   30 milligrams Vitamin E (ß- and ?-tocopherols) per 100 g of pumpkin seeds
   Vitamin A, Vitamins B1, B2, and B6, Vitamin C, Vitamin D
Phytosterols e.g., delta-7-sterol
Rare amino acids like Zitrulling and Cucurbitin
Squalene
Natural pigments such as chlorophyll and protochlorophyll

And they are nourishing:
100 g pumpkin seeds contain 550 to 610 calories

Products:
Pumpkin seeds are available as unrefined pumpkin seeds, in powder form ground from hulled pumpkin seeds, and in capsule form for both pumpkin seeds and pumpkin seed oil. One capsule contains about 400 milligrams of pumpkin seed and 340 milligrams of pumpkin seed oil. Additional ingredients include soy bean oil, yellow wax, soy lecithin, gelatin, glycerol, sorbitol, purified water and food coloring E171, E172. In the European Community, the capsules must be purchased from a pharmacy, but require no prescription.

By way of comparison: 100 pumpkin seeds weigh about 20 grams, with one seed weighing on the average about 200 milligrams (mg). That means one capsule contains a little less than 10 pumpkin seeds (400 mg of pumpkin seed is about 2 kernels and 340 mg of pumpkin seed oil corresponds to 850 mg of pumpkin seeds, about 5 kernels).

A rounded tablespoon contains about 10 grams of pumpkin seed, equivalent to approximately 50 kernels. A tablespoon of pumpkin seed oil is equivalent to about 10 ml or 25 grams of pumpkin seeds, about 125 kernels.

To produce 1000 milliliter (1 liter) of pumpkin seed oil, about 5.5 pounds of pumpkin seeds are required.

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I'd like to mention here a study made in 1979 by a group of Viennese doctors. The goal of the research was to determine whether ingestion of pumpkin seed granules (ground pumpkin seeds) would contribute to the improvement in the condition of an enlarged prostate (first stage).

The study was performed on 101 men and lasted eight weeks. About half of the subjects suffered from an enlarged prostate. During the eight weeks, the subjects took a tablespoon of pumpkin seed granules produced from the Styrian oil pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo styriaca) three times daily. Only the germ of microbiologically pure and fully matured pumpkin seeds was used. 

Test results:
All subjects affected with prostate hyperplasia reported a marked improvement of the condition. Measurements in milliliters were taken of the amount of urine passed in a day divided by the number of urinations per day. The unpleasantness experienced in voiding the bladder was significantly reduced, and in some cases eliminated. In 20 percent of the cases it was found that the size of the prostate had been reduced.

Range of therapeutic effects:
Pumpkin seeds strengthen the bladder, work as a diuretic, relieve cramps, and reduce inflammation; help maintain normal bladder functioning, prevent disorders and discomfort when voiding the bladder, and have a curative effect on enlarged prostate in the first stage.
Back to Facts
 

Article from the daily newspaper: "Kleine Zeitung"
Link to the 03.03.2004 edition: http://www.kleine.at/nachrichten/chronik/artikel/_594179/index.jsp
 

Among men, bladder disorders are usually caused by an enlargement of the prostate. Primarily in the first and at the beginning of the second stage, those suffering from prostate enlargement have been helped by a gentle treatment based on medicinal pumpkin seeds and using pumpkin seed oil as part of their regular diet. Nevertheless, in all cases, the medical diagnosis must be taken seriously. However, whoever would like to prevent or treat prostate and bladder problems would be well advised to incorporate pumpkin seed oil as a regular part of their diet.    

Prostate treatment with pumpkin seeds
Daily dosage: 1 to 2 tablespoons of pumpkin seeds, divided into two portions; coarsely grind the kernels and mix with apple sauce, yogurt or muesli. The dosage should not be too low.
Period of treatment: Must be continued for a matter of weeks or even months.

Prostate treatment with granules
Daily dosage: 1 to 2 teaspoons of granules, 2 to 3 times daily
Period of treatment: Several weeks to several months

Prostate treatment with pumpkin seed capsules
Daily dosage: 3 to 5 capsules before meals
Period of treatment: 6 to 9 weeks, 2 to 3 times a year
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Many menopausal women and most woman over 40 suffer from an irritated bladder. Symptoms include a frequent, sometimes urgent need to urinate and pain during urination, although only a small amount of fluid is eliminated. This is often accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen or a burning sensation.  

Treatment with granules (ground pumpkin seeds) for irritated bladder
Daily dosage: 1 to 2 teaspoons of granules taken 2 to 3 times a day

Pumpkin seed treatment for irritated bladder
Daily dosage: 1 to 2 tablespoons (5g-15g) of pumpkin seeds taken over the course of a day; coarsely grind the pumpkin seeds beforehand, or chew them well; can also be mixed with muesli.
Period of treatment: Several weeks to several months

Capsules for irritated bladder
Daily dosage: 1 to 2 capsules 3 times a day
Period of treatment: Several days to several months
Back to Facts
 

This information has been carefully compiled from relevant research. However, it in no way is meant to serve as a substitute for responsible medical diagnosis, treatment, and therapy. All recommendations made here cannot be guaranteed, and the author can take no responsibility for complications that might result from treatments made based on the information provided here.  

Further reading:
Stay Healthy and Fit with Pumpkin Seed Oil (German title: Gesund und fit durch Kürbiskernöl), Verlag Möwig, ISBN 3-8118-6854-3
Natural Treatment with Pumpkin Seed Oil (German title: Natürlich behandeln durch Kürbiskernöl), Verlag Südwest, ISBN 3-517-07524-8
Back to Facts
 

Recipes for Pumpkin Seeds &
Pumpkin Seed Oil 

Recipes recommended by our customers:
Tomato Bruschetta with Pumpkin Seed Oil (2 servings)

Recipe Collection:
Pumpkin Seed Oil Salad Dressing
Potato Salad
Marinated Beef Slices
Colorful Meat and Poultry Salad
Pumpkin Seed Oil Curd Cheese - Spread
Sheep Cheese with Pumpkin Seed Oil and Herbs
Styrian Pumpkin Seed Oil Pesto
Scrambled Eggs Prepared with Pumpkin Seed Oil
The Healthiest Snack of all - Roasting Pumpkin Seeds Yourself
Pumpkin Seed Oil Tube Cake
Styrian Pastry with Pumpkin Seed Filling

Tomato Bruschetta with Pumpkin Seed Oil (2 servings)
2 large beef tomatoes
1-2 garlic cloves
1-2 tbl pumpkin seed oil
Fresh basil
Salt
Black pepper (freshly ground, if possible)
8 finger-thick slices Ciabatta

Pumpkin Seed Oil Recipes for Salads 

Pumpkin Seed Oil Dressing

Ingredients: 5 tbl Styrian pumpkin seed oil, 2 1/2 tbl wine vinegar, salt and finely ground pepper to taste

Preparation: Mix all the ingredients together well - until the salt is dissolved. This dressing goes especially well with Chinese cabbage, potato salad, field salad (Feldsalat), coleslaw, and bean salad.

Potato Salad

Ingredients: Boiled potatoes, onions, salt, pepper, apple cider vinegar, pumpkin seed oil

Preparation: Slice the freshly boiled potatoes. Chop onions and mix with vinegar salt, pepper and pumpkin seed oil. Add to the still warm potatoes.

Marinated Beef Slices

Ingredients: Lean cooked beef, salt, pepper, 2 onions, 4 tbl pumpkin seed oil, 1/16 l wine vinegar

Preparation: Finely slice the beef and arrange on a platter. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and chopped onions. Pour over this the oil and vinegar. You may also substitute a good sausage for the beef.

Colorful Meat and Poultry Salad

Ingredients: 2 large onions, salt, 400g lean pork, beef and poultry, 1/16 l vinegar, 100g sausage, 4 tbl pumpkin seed oil, 1/2 hard cooked egg

Preparation: Chop onions and sprinkle with salt. Coarsely chop the meat, poultry and sausage. Marinate in vinegar and pumpkin seed oil, garnish with hard-cooked egg.

Pumpkin Seed Oil Recipes for Cheese and Curd Cheese

Pumpkin Seed Oil Curd Cheese - Sandwich Spread

Ingredients: 250g low-fat curd cheese, about 2 tbl pumpkin seed oil, 2 tbl ground or chopped pumpkin seeds, salt, pepper, a few whole pumpkin seeds

Preparation: Mix well the curd cheese with the pumpkin seed oil. Mix in the ground (or chopped) pumpkin seeds. Correct seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with whole pumpkin seeds.

Sheep Cheese with Pumpkin Seed Oil and Herbs

Ingredients: Sheep cheese firm enough to slice, a mixture of fresh herbs (chives, parsley, lovage or any other herbs you may have), onion, pumpkin seed oil as desired

Preparation: Slice sheep cheese and sprinkle with minced herbs and finely chopped onions. Dribble with pumpkin seed oil.

Styrian Pumpkin Seed Oil Pesto

Ingredients: 1 cup roasted pumpkin seeds, 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp grated lemon peel, 2 tsp lemon juice, 1/2 cup Styrian pumpkin seed oil

Preparation: Place all the ingredients in a bowl and mix with an electric mixer until the mixture attains a spreadable consistency. Slice a baguette, place slices in a shallow pan, brush with olive oil and distribute crushed garlic as desired on the slices. Broil until golden brown. Spread with pesto. Leftover pesto keeps well for several weeks in a tightly closed jar in the refrigerator.

Scrambled Eggs Prepared with Pumpkin Seed Oil

Styrian Egg Dish (Scrambled Eggs)

Ingredients: Egg, salt, pumpkin seed oil

Preparation: Scramble the egg in a pan with heated pumpkin seed oil.

Attention: Do not overheat the oil - pumpkin seed oil smokes at a very low temperature.

The Healthiest Snack of All - Roasting Pumpkin Seeds Yourself

Ingredients: 200g pumpkin seeds, 1 tsp butter

Preparation: Melt the butter in a pan and add the pumpkin seeds. Gently roast at medium heat 15-20 minutes until you detect the typical roasted aroma. Sprinkle with salt to taste and cool.

Tip: I haven't tried this variation yet: Instead of salt, try sprinkling cinnamon over the hot pumpkin seeds. Beware: This snack is very high in calories. 100g contain about 600 calories!

Pumpkin Seed Oil Cake Recipes

Pumpkin Seed Oil Tube Cake

Ingredients: 4 eggs (separated), 100g water, 1 package vanilla sugar, 100g pumpkin seed oil, 150g powdered sugar, 100g granulated sugar, 250g flour, 1/2 tbl baking powder, pumpkin seeds, butter for the pan

Preparation: Butter the pan, dust with flour and line with halved pumpkin seeds. Mix together the egg yolks, water, powdered sugar, vanilla sugar and pumpkin seed oil until foamy. Whip egg whites with granulated sugar until the peaks are not quite stiff. Spoon a third of the whipped egg whites and the flour over the egg yolk mixture and mix in well. Fold in the rest of the egg whites. Bake at 160°C for an hour. Either generously dust the hot pastry with sugar or let cool and spread with a glaze.  

Styrian Pastry with Pumpkin Seed Filling

Ingredients: Pastry: 40g cake yeast, 200ml warm milk, 75g sugar, 500g flour, pinch of salt, 100g soft butter, 1 egg
Filling: 300g pumpkin seeds, 60g sugar, 4 tbl honey, 125ml milk, 1/2 TL cinnamon, 2-3 tbl rum, 4-5 tbl bread crumbs, 1 egg yolk, 1-2 tbl warm water

Preparation: Crumble yeast in the warm milk and mix, add 1 tsp sugar and mix well. Cover and place in a warm spot for 15-20 minutes.
In a second bowl, add the sifted flour, salt, the rest of the sugar, the soft butter and egg. Add the yeast-milk mixture and knead well, with a food processor if possible. The dough must be elastic and soft. Let rise again for 20-30 minutes.
For the filling, finely grind the pumpkin seeds. Slowly heat the sugar, honey, and milk, stirring constantly. Cool. Add cinnamon, rum, bread crumbs and ground pumpkin seed and mix well. If the filling is too dry, add a little cold milk.
Roll the pastry dough into a rectangle about 40 x 50 cm. Spread the filling to within 1-2 cm of the edges. Roll up and press the ends together to seal. Place the pastry roll in a well buttered tube pan. Let rise for about 20 minutes. Preheat the oven to 160-180°C. Bake the pastry for 40-50 minutes until golden brown. Towards the end of the baking period, brush the pastry with mixed egg yolk and water.

We welcome all suggestions for links to other pages dealing with award-winning Styrian pumpkin seed oil.

Link to this page from your own site!

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